Tuesday, May 8, 2012

7 Thoughts on Stress

Recently a person who was feeling about "75% stressed" offered me his assistance because he was under the impression that I was about 90% stressed!

Hmmm…what shall I learn from this?

Point #1: Stress is not easily hidden.
Try as we might, stress causes fractures in our existence and through these fractures stress leaks. Observant people will see it oozing out.

Point #2: Stress is not always bad.
While too much stress is obviously a bad thing, too little stress brings its own demons. Some stress may be the world’s way (or God’s way) of assuring that we are engaged with this world in which we live. And sometimes it helps us rise to a new level, discover a new insight, or even pursue a new path.

Point #3: Stress can be handled well or poorly.
We all know this, of course. But just knowing something—as any addict can tell you--does not necessarily change behavior. Handling stress well, especially if one has a history of handling it poorly, will require a change of will, habit, and heart.

Point #4: Stress is natural (which is why, as indicated in point #2, it’s not always bad.)
Growing always involves some form of pain, hence the phrase, “growing pains.” Even Jesus, when considering the work before him, once said, “and what stress I am under until it is completed.” (see Luke 12:50) Stress is natural, and we can work through it.

Point #5: Stress can be measured.
Okay, so it’s not an exact science. But we all know about how much we think we can take. Add about 20% to that figure (according to my guestimate) and that’s probably more realistically what we can handle, though perhaps not for long. Aiming for 50-75% stress is probably about right for your basic high-achiever. The more moderately ambitious might want to shoot for 40-60% stress. And people who just enjoy life? Well, they’ll probably be better served in the 20-40% stress range.

Point #6: Stress can take its toll.
I recently read about a study where one group of students was given fresh chocolate-chip cookies while another group, in the same room, was told to eat only radishes. Both followed directions well, but then when both groups were given puzzles which were nearly impossible to solve, the chocolate chip group (which didn’t find the radishes to be a tantalizing/stressful temptation) kept working on the puzzles considerably longer than the radish group which had apparently been worn down by the temptation/stress of not being allowed to eat the chocolate-chip cookies that were easily within their reach. So don’t pretend that stress won’t have an affect somewhere in your life.

Point #7: Stress can be relieved.
At home I have a cheap weed sprayer with a hand pump to establish pressure. On the side is a simple little red valve that can be lifted to safely release the pressure. The challenge with stress is to find a way to safely release it when it gets too high for too long. For some it is a hobby, for some it is through faith and faith practices, for some it is companionship, for some it is physical exercise, for some it is writing or music or other forms of art. Whatever it is, find a safe way (as opposed to unsafe stress-relievers such as excessive alcohol, domestic abuse, promiscuity, drugs, etc.) to relieve at least a portion of said stress. Then give thanks for point #2!

Gee, I feel better already!

Just Trying to Stay Fit Under the Collar,
Kent

PS If you'd like more tips like this, just send an e-mail to me at: fitunderthecollar@gmail.com. Be sure and let me know just a little bit about yourself (as little or as much as you'd like to share) and what kind of tips would be most helpful to you. Thanks!

PSS Jot "Stress Tips" in the subject line so I'll know you're responding to this article. Double Thanks!



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